Method and apparatus for identifying and alleviating semantic memory deficiencies
First Claim
1. A method for diagnosing Alzheimer'"'"'s disease, comprising:
- (a) detecting the electroencephalogram signal from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials;
(b) instructing the subject to perform a semantic memory task in response to a stimulus;
(c) measuring the amplitude of the most positive-going peak of said evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following said stimulus; and
(d) comparing said amplitude to a standard to determine whether said amplitude indicates an Alzheimer'"'"'s disease condition.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for identifying and alleviating semantic memory deficiencies. An electroencephalogram signal is detected from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials. The subject is instructed to perform a semantic memory task in response to a stimulus. The amplitude of the most positive-going peak of the evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following the stimulus is measured. To determine whether the subject suffers from early Alzheimer'"'"'s disease, the amplitude of the signal is compared to a standard determined by applying the same method to normal subjects. The amplitude of the signal may also be used to provide a feedback signal to the subject for training the subject to improve the subject'"'"'s semantic memory skills. An apparatus is provided for implementing these steps using digital signal processing, and for providing a biofeedback signal to the subject.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for diagnosing Alzheimer'"'"'s disease, comprising:
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(a) detecting the electroencephalogram signal from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials; (b) instructing the subject to perform a semantic memory task in response to a stimulus; (c) measuring the amplitude of the most positive-going peak of said evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following said stimulus; and (d) comparing said amplitude to a standard to determine whether said amplitude indicates an Alzheimer'"'"'s disease condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for diagnosing Alzheimer'"'"'s disease, comprising:
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(a) detection means for detecting the electroencephalogram signal from the scalp of a subject to produce a signal representative of evoked response potentials; (b) display means for displaying symbols to a subject in a predetermined manner; (c) input means for receiving from the subject a signal representative of whether the subject ascribes meaning to a given symbol; and (d) measurement means for measuring the amplitude of the most positive peak of said evoked response potential signal during the 270-550 ms period following the display of a given symbol. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification